An introduction to Niko
Since 1985 Niko has provided professional avalanche education in the US, Canada and internationally. Niko is a Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association (1991) and is widely considered one of the most experienced and innovative avalanche educators in North America.
Niko Specializes in:
- Avalanche Search and Rescue [ SAR ] Courses
- Avalanche beacons and training methodologies
- Recreational avalanche survival courses training
- Courses for Members and Leaders of the BC Provincial EmergencyProgram (administered by the Justice Institute of BC (JI) )
- Snow Safety risk management for operators, groups and advanced recreationalists
- The interpretation of graphical avalanche bulletins and other information
- Snowmobile specific courses
- Current forecaster at the Vancouver Island Avalanche Centre
- Educator and trainer of the Canadian Military 442 Rescue Squadron
Other credentials and accolades
- Teaching and leading avalanche courses since 1986
- Co-creator of the first on line avalanche course in the world
- Current instructor for the International Ski Academy Section 8
- As the Co Author of “Graphical Interpretation of Avalanche Bulletins” ISSW 2004
- Leading-edge avalanche rescue beacon searching methods
- Co-founder of Provincial Search and Rescue avalanche training programs 1992 to present.
- Board of Directors and Past President Canadian Avalanche Association
- The original curriculum writer for PEP BC SAR specific courses
- As subject matter Expert for the “ON-LINE Avalanche Course” JIBC
- 25 Years Avalanche Control and Education
- 5 Years Avalanche Survival Instruction in Canada & the United States
- Sled specific avalanche courses since 1999: 20 courses annually
- First in world to be recognized by International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) 2002 National Congress.
- Taught and mentored of many of today’s sled educators: Amber Wood, Lori Zacaruk, Carol Savage, Curtis P.
- Trained Geoff Kyle just months before he rescued Dan Treadway (The Fine Line: A 16mm Avalanche Education Film)
- Mentoring and working with Todd Eberts semi pro rider since 2009
- Teaching the most experientially based and practically useful courses since 2000
- 17 Seasons Ski Patrol, Ski Patrol Director
- Provincial Park Backcountry Ranger
- 15 Years BC Parks Backcountry Senior Ranger
- Survival Skills and Navigation
- Mountaineering and multi day traverses
- Nutritional and physical performance counselor
- Snow Rescue Systems
- Winter Resort management
- Special Event planning and oversight
- Canada West Risk Management Committee
- Advanced first aid and Paramedic training since 1984
- Team building and facilitation for groups.
Affiliations include
- Professional Member – Canadian Avalanche Association
- Professional Member – American Avalanche Association
- Provincial Emergency Program of BC
- Association of Industrial First Aid Attendants of BC
- Worker’s Compensation Board of BC